Free Spirits at Duty Free in LAX

Upon departing for my recent trip to Israel out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, while making our way into the gates area at LAX, I noticed a duty free shop that offered free spirits to taste. Not one to pass up spirits-tastings, especially when they are free, I had to check it out.

The free spirits-tasting runs from 12pm-11pm, so, if you are taking a morning flight, sorry. The spirits offered are all owned by Diageo, which offers quite a variety. When I went, the spirits offered were Ron Zacapa 23 rum, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve blended Scotch, Tangueray No. Ten gin, Don Julio Reposado tequila, Don Julio Añejo tequila, Don Julio 1942 Añejo tequila, Cîroc vodka, Cîroc Coconut vodka, Cîroc Red Berry vodka, Cîroc Amaretto vodka, Cîroc Peach vodka.
Now, if you’re thinking you could try all of them, you would be wrong: they offer only two pours per passenger. And you’re not going to get drunk, either: the pours are only about a quarter-ounce each. Nevertheless, it’s enough to get a sense of the two spirits one is trying.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

As someone who enjoys whiskey, I started off with the only whiskey being offered. Also, having previously had Red Label and Double Black, I was excited to try the Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. I found it to be smooth, slightly smokey and good!

Don Julio 1942

For my second tasting, I opted to go with something that seemed I wouldn’t normally have, the Don Julio 1942 Añejo tequila. It had quite a light color to it and I found it to be smooth, slightly smokey, and a touch sweet.

I don’t know when the next time I will be flying internationally out of LAX, but, if I am, I will be sure to stop by this stand!